Germany-based wind turbine manufacturer REpower Systems AG has agreed to form a joint venture with blade manufacturer Abeking & Rasmussen (A&R) for the production of blades developed by REpower. The approximately 16,000 square-meter blade factory will be located in Bremerhaven, Germany, close to the planned production hall for REpower's 5M offshore wind energy turbines. REpower and A&R have stakes of 51% and 49%, respectively, in the joint venture.

"As a result of the joint venture, it will be possible for us to further optimize the output of our wind turbines through the sophisticated design and constant technological advancement of the blades," says Fritz Vahrenholt, chief executive officer of REpower.

Independent of the blade production in Bremerhaven, REpower is continuing with its plan to establish a blade production facility in Portugal.

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